University of Florida Partners with ICE for Immigration Enforcement

The University of Florida (UF) has entered a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, which allows campus police to enforce federal immigration laws. This agreement coincides with the revocation of visas for four UF students, a situation highlighted by The Independent Florida Alligator. Cynthia Roldan, UF’s public affairs director, confirmed the agreement but did not provide details about the visa issues. The decision follows the arrest of Colombian student Felipe Zapata Velásquez, who self-deported after being held by ICE for driving with an expired license. UF is among several Florida universities, including Florida Atlantic University and the University of South Florida, that have sought similar collaborations with ICE, reflecting broader state initiatives under Governor Ron DeSantis. These developments come amid increasing federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly targeting undocumented individuals on college campuses.